Amid cries of "We want justice," "Where's the justice in Texas," and "Beat it out of Texas, now," the candy flew out of the piqata after almost everyone got to beat "Texas" with a few strong swings. Because of false testimony by the now-discredited Houston Police Crime Lab in his 1995 trial, Williams sits on death row waiting for Texas justice. He has been locked up since he was 17 years old.
As family, friends and supporters sang "Happy Birthday" and ate cake and ice cream without Williams, it was apparent to all that justice comes very slowly in Texas.
Those celebrating took turns reading aloud pages of birthday greetings that were emailed to the party's organizers in the Texas Death Penalty Abolition Movement. Readers included Kofi Taharka of the National Black United Front, Brother Equality with the Blackout Arts Collective, Art Browning of the Green Party, Alma Cooper and Henry Cooper of KPFT Pacifica Radio, Marta Olvera of the Serafin Olvera Pro Justice Committee, and Williams' cousin Bryan Williams.
The Australian Coalition Against the Death Penalty wrote: "It may thrill you to know that American ambassador in Australia, Tom Schiefer, had brown hair three years ago--but since he's had to deal with ACADP on almost a weekly basis, we have watched his hair (the little we can see on his head anyway) slowing turning grey.
"Have a cool birthday Nanon. Our special Aussie hugs and kisses are being sent all the way to Texas. We'll be playing and dancing for you around the Didgeridoo and celebrating your birthday, eating them Aussie traditional meat pie 'n' sauce, then washing it down with a pint of Fosters. Love and best wishes to all on Death Row Texas."
A message from Claudia in Germany said: "You belong to the juveniles on death row like my friend, Eddie. I have you all in my thoughts and prayers ... . I wish for you that you will be freed from death row and then can walk out one day. Stay strong. I know your time will come. Happy Birthday!"
Native activist Jacquelyn Battise of the Alabama-Coushatta Nation wrote: "Today we honor that time when you were first welcomed into this world. Now as you continue your journey you have endured the treachery that has been aimed at you, that was aimed at your father.
"We are all the descendants of strong, powerful and brilliant people before the invasion, the colonization. We are interconnected, no matter how much they try to separate us. Thank you for surviving, thank you for making it this far. Thank you for your voice."
By Workers World Newspaper posted 13 August, 2004
Williams' recent autobiography, "Still Surviving," can be purchased online at - Left Books.com Support letters can be sent to: Nanon Williams #999163, Polunsky Unit, 3872 FM 350 South, Livingston, TX 77351.
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Here come de Judge - Time to Leave [266]
There have always been examples of rulings and interpretations that have supported the saying "The law is an ass". This is increasingly the case, because even the best intentioned judges are now facing an avalanche of new technologies and social change. But, it is no good making excuses for the judiciary and continuing to accept their strange interpretations. We must recognise that not only judges but the whole legal system will struggle more and more. In the end the whole system will become a farce. This is the way empires end.
